Speaking to Star News, the 30-year-old actor said: "I was quite fortunate that I flew an F-16 fighter plane. I don't think any other actor has ever flown an F-16. Even when actor Tom Cruise had done Top Gun, he had flown an F15. I was very fortunate to get that opportunity. It was a very exciting experience for me."

Kapoor had first flown the American fighter aircraft at the Aero India defense exhibition in Bangalore earlier this year. Describing the experience, he said: "Honestly I was not fond of flying in a plane but when I actually sat in it and flew it, I was so excited that I started shouting. It was probably the most exhilarating experience one could have. I am someone who loves speed anyway.

"I think it was required to understand my part better and it helped me to understand what all goes in to becoming a fighter pilot."

In preparation for the role, the actor visited Indian Air Force bases and met with the pilots in an effort to imitate their mannerisms.

"I sat on the aircraft," he said. "I put on the G-suit, observed how they walk with the helmet - all things like that which actually give you some kind of perspective of what it is to be representing the country and to be the part of the armed forces and to be an Air Force pilot."

A love story, the film also stars Sonam Kapoor and has been directed by Shahid Kapoor's father, Pankaj Kapoor.